The 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best option for adventure lovers who want to reach Machu Picchu in a unique and adrenaline-filled way. This tour combines mountain bike descent, level III and IV rafting, high jungle trekking, and zip line, considered one of the highest in Peru.
Unlike the Classic 4-Day Inca Jungle Trek, this version is designed for those with limited time in Cusco, without sacrificing any of the activities that make the Inca Jungle Trek an unforgettable experience. Although it has one day less, it keeps the essence of adventure, nature, and culture, allowing travelers to enjoy an alternative route full of excitement.
It was our founder Lorenzo Cahuana who created and popularized this alternative route with a sustainable approach. Unlike other treks, no porters or camps are used here, but we work directly with local families, using their accommodations and restaurants. This has allowed many communities along the route to significantly improve their economy over the last 15 years.
As a result, local inhabitants have contributed to the development of the route, discovering new paths and attractions to offer an increasingly enriching experience for travelers.
If you’re looking for an experience full of adventure, nature, and culture, the 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best way to reach Machu Picchu. Dare to live this unforgettable experience!
The 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best option for adventure lovers who want to reach Machu Picchu in a unique and adrenaline-filled way. This tour combines mountain bike descent, level III and IV rafting, high jungle trekking, and zip line, considered one of the highest in Peru.
Unlike the Classic 4-Day Inca Jungle Trek, this version is designed for those with limited time in Cusco, without sacrificing any of the activities that make the Inca Jungle Trek an unforgettable experience. Although it has one day less, it keeps the essence of adventure, nature, and culture, allowing travelers to enjoy an alternative route full of excitement.
It was our founder Lorenzo Cahuana who created and popularized this alternative route with a sustainable approach. Unlike other treks, no porters or camps are used here, but we work directly with local families, using their accommodations and restaurants. This has allowed many communities along the route to significantly improve their economy over the last 15 years.
As a result, local inhabitants have contributed to the development of the route, discovering new paths and attractions to offer an increasingly enriching experience for travelers.
If you’re looking for an experience full of adventure, nature, and culture, the 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best way to reach Machu Picchu. Dare to live this unforgettable experience!
This 3-day tour will take you through thrilling adventures and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll start with a challenging bike descent and rafting on the Vilcanota River, crossing diverse ecosystems from the Andes to the high jungle. On the second day, you’ll enjoy a zip-lining experience before starting a hike towards Aguas Calientes, visiting archaeological sites like Intihuatana and admiring the beauty of Machu Picchu from afar.
On the final day, you’ll explore the fascinating Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with a guided tour that will immerse you in its history and mystery. Afterwards, you’ll have time to soak in its majesty before returning to Cusco with unforgettable memories. Below is the detailed itinerary.
Extreme adventure: Mountain biking descent and optional rafting on the Vilcanota River
Our journey begins with the departure from the Imperial City of Cusco towards the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast before continuing towards the Abra Málaga (4,350 meters / 14,160 feet), the starting point of our first great adventure.
After an informative briefing with our expert guide, we will receive all the necessary equipment for our exciting mountain bike descent. For about 3 hours and 55 km, we will pedal through spectacular landscapes, crossing snow-capped mountains, tropical forests, and small streams while feeling the climate change, transitioning from the cold Andean environment to the warm atmosphere of the high jungle of Cusco. Along the way, we will make technical stops to check the equipment and enjoy the panoramic views. Finally, we will arrive at the town of Santa María (1,200 meters), where a delicious typical lunch awaits us.
In the afternoon, the more adventurous will have the option of doing rafting on the Vilcanota River (optional activity, additional cost of US$ 40). This river offers rapids of level III and III+, ideal for an adrenaline-filled experience. We will have high-quality safety equipment, such as helmets, category V life vests, and windbreakers. It is worth mentioning that this activity is only available between April and December, and the Peruvian government requires participants to know how to swim.
After this adventure-filled day, we will take private transportation to Santa Teresa, where we will rest at our cozy hotel and enjoy a comforting dinner.
Day Details:
Thrills at high altitudes and hiking towards Aguas Calientes
We start the day with a delicious breakfast in Santa Teresa, preparing for a day full of adventure and stunning landscapes. For the more daring, there is the option to do a zip line (zipline) in Santa Teresa, an adrenaline-packed experience with one of the most reliable operators in the area (optional activity, additional cost of $40). For about 2 hours, we will soar through the skies at high speed, enjoying panoramic views of the lush high jungle.
After this exciting activity, we will take transportation to Hidroeléctrica, where we will pass the entry control for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. From this point, we will begin our 19 km hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, we will pass through impressive landscapes and visit the Intihuatana sector, a small archaeological site where our guide will share fascinating details about its history and function within the Inca Empire.
We will continue our path to San Gabriel, where we will enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the Gonza family, who will give us a warm welcome. From this point, we will admire the imposing mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, including Huayna Picchu and other Inca constructions high up.
The hike will end in Aguas Calientes, the picturesque town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. Here we will settle into our hotel and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, preparing for the big day of our visit to the Wonder of the World.
Day Details:
Ascent to the world wonder and guided tour
The last day of our adventure takes us to the most awaited destination: Machu Picchu. At dawn, we will have two options to ascend from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel:
The decision will be made the night before during dinner, and the departure time will be coordinated with the guide. Both options will take us to the same access point to Machu Picchu, where the guide will be waiting for us at the agreed time.
Upon arrival, we will go through the entry controls, presenting our original passport and, if previously reserved, the ticket to Huayna Picchu (additional cost of $65 USD, with prior booking up to 6 months in advance). The scheduling of visit times and circuits will depend on availability at the time of booking, so it is recommended to book as early as possible.
We will begin our guided tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours, during which we will discover the history, architecture, and significance of Machu Picchu to Inca culture. We will explore its temples, terraces, and plazas, marveling at its advanced engineering and strategic location, which still amazes experts in archaeology and architecture.
At the end of the tour, we will have free time to take photographs or simply contemplate the majesty of this Wonder of the World. Afterward, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco, thus concluding an unforgettable experience.
Day Details:
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This 5-day tour combines adventure, nature, and history, taking you from Cusco to Machu Picchu through various exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes. We start with a trip to Abra Málaga (4,350 m.a.s.l.), where we begin an exciting bike descent for about 55 km, crossing a climate change from snow-capped mountains to the tropical jungle. Then, in Santa Maria (1,200 m.a.s.l.), you’ll have the option to go rafting on the Vilcanota River (category III and III+). The next day, in Lucmabamba, you can participate in the coffee experience, where you’ll learn about its cultivation and production. For the more adventurous, there is the option to do a zip line. Then, we begin a hike on an original section of the Inca Trail, ascending to Llactapata, where we’ll have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the snow-capped Salkantay. We continue with a descent to the Hydroelectric Station, enjoying spectacular views of the jungle. On the way, we visit Intihuatana, an Inca archaeological site related to astronomy. Finally, we arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we prepare for the most awaited day. The journey culminates with a hike on the Short Inca Trail, starting at Chachabamba (2,250 m.a.s.l.) and ascending to Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the trail. From the Sun Gate (Intipunku), we will have our first view of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable moment. This trip offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and spectacular landscapes, making it a unique experience before reaching the magical Machu Picchu citadel.
Live an unforgettable experience exploring the most impressive places in Peru with our 5-day tour. Visit the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World; the fascinating Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to impressive Inca archaeological sites; and the beautiful Humantay Lake, a natural paradise hidden in the heights of the Andes. This trip is carefully designed to combine adventure, culture, and history to offer you the best travel experience in Peru. Machu Picchu: The Sacred Jewel of the Incas Experience what every traveler dreams of when visiting Machu Picchu, the most famous historical sanctuary in South America. Our certified expert guides will reveal the best-kept secrets of this architectural wonder, built in perfect harmony with nature. Enjoy exclusive time to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu (subject to availability) and capture spectacular panoramic photographs from the most privileged viewpoints. Sacred Valley: A Journey to the Heart of the Inca Empire Dive into the living culture as we explore: Chinchero: Learn about ancient alpaca wool weaving techniques and admire its colonial church built on Inca foundations. Moray: Discover the impressive Inca agricultural laboratory, where revolutionary farming techniques were developed. Salineras de Maras: Be amazed by the thousands of salt ponds that have been exploited since pre-Inca times. Ollantaytambo: Explore the best-preserved Inca town and its imposing ceremonial fortress. Humantay Lake: A Natural Treasure in the Andes Live an unforgettable experience at Humantay Lake, an incredible turquoise-colored lake hidden high in the Peruvian Andes. This lake, formed by the melting glaciers of the mountain, is considered one of the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in Peru. Its natural beauty and special energy make it an unmissable destination for nature and adventure lovers. Our guided hike with professional assistance will allow you to enjoy this turquoise mirror of water surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains. We include supplemental oxygen to ensure your comfort during the ascent. Once you arrive, you can relax, take stunning photos, and feel the magic of this natural paradise in the Andes.
This tour combines adventure, history, and spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. For three days, you will travel along the 2-day Inca Trail, one of the most impressive routes to reach Machu Picchu, and you will visit the famous Rainbow Mountain, a unique natural destination. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in the world and the most popular in Peru. It can be done in two versions: one of 2 days and another of 4 days. The 2-day Inca Trail is one of the most incredible routes to reach Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. This journey passes through the high tropical jungle, where you can see mountains covered in vegetation, crystal-clear rivers, and ancient trails built by the Incas. Along the way, you will find Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological site with agricultural terraces and stone buildings that showcase the advanced knowledge of this civilization. Another important point of the journey is Inti Punku, also known as The Sun Gate, from where you get one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu before reaching the citadel. Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world and the most famous destination in Peru. Its ancient stone constructions, temples, and terraces were designed with great precision to withstand the test of time and harmonize with nature. Among its most important structures are the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana, a mysterious stone that the Incas used as a solar clock. The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is another of the most impressive places in Cusco. Its natural color bands, formed by minerals over millions of years, create a unique landscape in the world. Located at over 5,000 meters above sea level, this hike is challenging and requires being physically prepared. However, once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking and totally worth the effort.
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in the world and the most popular in Peru. It can be done in two versions: a 2-day trek and a 4-day trek. For either option, a special permit called the “Inca Trail permit” is mandatory. Spots are very limited, so many people book their permits months in advance—sometimes even up to a year ahead. The general recommendation is to make a reservation 6 to 8 months in advance to secure a spot. The classic 2-day Inca Trail is the only route that allows you to visit Machu Picchu twice. One of the most iconic points of the trek is Inti Punku, also known as the “Sun Gate”, which offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu before reaching the citadel. You’ll also pass through Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological complex with agricultural terraces and Inca structures. Machu Picchu, the final destination of the route, is one of the wonders of the world and a symbol of the Inca Empire’s grandeur. Its temples, plazas, and terraces showcase the advanced engineering and profound astronomical knowledge of this civilization. To explore the citadel, there are different circuits that allow you to discover its most important structures. For more information about the different circuits within Machu Picchu, you can click here (Machu Picchu circuits).
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular hikes in South America and one of the best alternatives to the Inca Trail. This 5-day route is internationally recognized for its stunning diversity of landscapes, ranging from towering snow-capped mountains to lush tropical jungles. If you’re looking for an authentic trekking experience filled with challenges and unforgettable views, this adventure is for you. Throughout this journey, hikers have the chance to explore the majestic Humantay Lake, conquer the challenging Salkantay Pass, and walk along ancient Inca paths until reaching Machu Picchu. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, this route does not require limited permits, making it an excellent option for those seeking an unrestricted alternative. Lorenzo Expeditions, unlike many other agencies, remains true to the essence of traditional trekking. Our camps are located in strategic spots, using tents and mountain equipment to ensure a more authentic experience. While some companies have chosen to install domes and lodges along the way, we prioritize pure adventure, avoiding crowded areas to enjoy a real connection with nature. If you’re an adventure lover seeking a challenging trekking experience with unmatched views, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best choice for you. Embark on this incredible journey and discover the magic of the Andes at its finest.
Live a unique experience with our 1-Day Ayahuasca Ceremony in Cusco, designed for those seeking a deep spiritual connection and holistic healing. Ayahuasca, also known as tea, vine, or healing brew, is an ancestral medicine with mysterious and powerful properties. It is not a drug or hallucinogen; it is a living spirit of the Amazon, a sacred gift from the heavens and Pachamama (Mother Earth). This master plant has been used for millennia in spiritual ceremonies by indigenous cultures, offering deep reflection and emotional and cognitive liberation. Ayahuasca acts as a plant, healer, guide, and ancient being, purifying and awakening all your cells and energy centers. It will lead you to a profound connection with yourself, illuminating your body, energy, and thoughts, allowing you to understand life within the power of the cosmos and Pachamama. Our ceremonies are led by native Hampicamayoq masters (healers) and Pacco (shamans), who will guide you in a safe, trustworthy, and authentic environment. This experience will allow you to strengthen your potential and empower yourself, while immersing you in the ancient wisdom of the Andes.
Discover why our adventurers always return with unforgettable stories and recommend our expeditions. Enjoy a unique experience full of adrenaline and fun.
My fiancée and I did the 5-day trip that included Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. It was amazing!! Our tour guide, Wilbert, was so knowledgeable and took care of everything…
We did a five day tour with Lorenzo and had multiple amazing guides. Bryan took us on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain and it was amazing! His car was clean and comfortable and he was...
The trip was really very good. It was 4 days and 3 nights where I ate very well, we were in amazing places, we slept in nice places and we were tired ...
What an amazing experience, I would absolutely recommend it (and have already done so to friends). The tour guides deserve a special mention, Bryan and Wilbur who were just great at giving...
Lorenzo and his agency were very attentive on our trip. I would especially like to praise the guide Abel who took us to Laguna Humantay and Montan̈a 7 Colores...
Excellent travel agency, especially the work done by the guide Wilbert! He guided us for two days on an unforgettable trip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, showing great care and attention in...
